Pet Health :: Pet Medical Emergencies

 

Dog and Cat Medical Emergencies – What to Do

Our veterinarians care enough about you and your pet to be here when you have a pet medical emergency. We always have a doctor on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our veterinarians are available to answer your urgent questions and to meet you at the hospital if you pet needs immediate care.

Simply call the regular hospital number. You will be directed to your veterinarian’s name and contact information. Leave a brief message including your name, number, and nature of your emergency, and the doctor will promptly return your call, usually within five to ten minutes.

There are, unfortunately, technological glitches or other emergencies that may delay response time. We politely request that if you have not heard from us within 15 minutes of your call, that you please page the doctor again.

At CareFirst Animal Hospital we are committed to all of your pet’s medical needs, including emergencies. Below is a list of actions to take when your dog or cat has an emergency. Print it out and tape it inside your kitchen cupboard for easy reference.

  1. Call your vet or call the local CareFirst emergency animal hospital. Tell us you have an emergency and are bringing your pet in. LISTEN to what you’re told to do.
  2. If you must take your pet to our emergency hospital, retrieve the cat or dog carrier to transport your pet.
  3. Bring along your dog’s or cat’s leash so you can better control your pet.
  4. Grab your cell phone if you have one.
  5. Toss bottled water, a blanket, several snacks, and something to read inside a tote bag (you might be there awhile).
  6. Bring along some towels for unplanned pet accidents in your vehicle.
  7. Write down the animal hospital’s phone number to call in case you get lost.

As with any emergency, the more you can prepare for an unplanned event in advance, the better.

After the Medical Emergency is Over – What to Do

Now that you’re back home, here’s a quick list of what to do to prepare in advance for any unplanned medical pet emergency.

  1. Record the CareFirst vet’s phone number and address on a sheet of paper. Title the page: PET EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS.
  2. On the same page as above, record the closest CareFirst Animal Hospital’s phone number and address.
  3. Create a pet authorization form for emergency medical treatment to be used in your absence. Whether you have someone staying in your home while you’re gone for the day or several days, the pet’s caretaker will need your authorization and payment arrangements written down. Sign the document and make several copies that you can give to your vet or the emergency animal hospital. Make sure to include the breed of the animal and his or her name.
  4. On the authorization form, include the names and quantities of any prescription medicines or foods you give to your pet. The vet will need to know this in advance.
  5. Also include, if you can, a list of inoculations your pet has had. If the vet does not have a copy of your pet’s files, it’s most helpful if you have a folder with all your pet’s paperwork, including inoculation history, medical history, and prescriptions.
  6. Somewhere in your home, vehicle, or apartment, keep a small tote bag that contains the essentials you’d need to have in the event of a pet emergency. You can swap things out or replace used items as required. The point is to be prepared.

It’s easier to think when you’re not in the middle of a crisis situation.

Map/Driving Directions

Raleigh, NC Locations:

  • Oberlin: (919) 746-7570
  • Glenwood: (919) 746-7571
  • Falls Pointe: (919) 746-7573 

Morrisville, NC Location:

  • Grace Park: (919) 746-7572
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